The 2004 All-Ireland winning captain, like most others, is awaiting a July 6 Munster final between his native Kerry and Cork. The bookmakers agree that Limerick won't cause an upset - offering 8/1, against 1/10 for Cork. However, there is no shortage of motivation for the home side in the Gaelic Grounds - throw-in is 3.30pm.
Limerick want to right the wrongs of the last two seasons, when they failed to show up on championship Sunday against Cork. Limerick also want to right the wrong of the decision of the Munster Council to return to a 'seeded draw'.
While the Division Three National Football League was anything but impressive, Limerick have targeted championship progress for 2008, until last year when much emphasis was placed on the Division One campaign in the NFL.
Mickey Ned O'Sullivan is in his third year in charge and has seen his team evolve from the Liam Kearns era.
This is the final year of the Kenmare man's contract and only a win on Sunday or a Qualifier scalp will suffice.
How the former Kerry All-Ireland winning captain would love Sunday to be the day his team click. With Cork's new management making wholesale changes, the opportunity could be ripe. New Cork manager Conor Counihan has made a total of eight changes from the side that lost last September's All-Ireland final to Kerry with Nemo Rangers' stars James Masters and Derek Kavanagh among those dropping to the bench.
Four players have been handed their debuts in the championship - Diarmuid Duggan, Paudie Kissane, Alan O'Connor and Brian O'Regan.
Anthony Lynch, Kevin McMahon and John Miskella were not considered because of injury. Half the Rebel defence are championship debutantes and Limerick must make in-roads here. Attack has long been the Achilles heel of Limerick football and changes are expected in this sector when the team is announced.
It appears only Stephen Kelly, Seanie Buckley and Ian Ryan are certainties with Eoin Keating, Ger Collins and Michael Crowley are all pushing for inclusion, ahead of James Ryan, Dermot Phelan and Kieran O'Callaghan.
To swing the pendulum in Limerick's direction, midfield dominance is key.
It is thought that management are to gamble with Jim O'Donovan ahead of Thomas Cahill to partner John Galvin
The former St Kierans man, now with Dublin side St Brigid's, has not played for Limerick since 2005.
In defence, Limerick look strong with Johnny McCarthy and Stephen Lavin inspirational. Cork will retreat two of their half forward line into defensive roles with Fintan Gould directing affairs from the '40 and their scoring threat appears to rest with the inside trio of Goulding, O'Connor and Hayes. Limerick must settle early and ask questions of this new-look Cork.
Last Sunday, the Cork hurlers suffered the effects of their early season strike when their fitness faded and if Limerick can stay with Cork, anything is possible. We can only hope that the team of 2008, can join those of 1965 and 2003

Cork: Alan Quirke; Diarmuid Duggan, Graham Canty (capt), Brian O'Regan; Noel O'Leary, Ger Spillane, Paudie Kissane; Alan O'Connor, Nicholas Murphy; Sean O'Brien, Fintan Gould, Pearse O'Neill; Daniel Goulding, Donnacha O'Connor, John Hayes.